Flying with a Dog from South Africa to the United States

Name: A.
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Jack Russell
From: Cape Town, South Africa
To: Kansas, USA

Dear PetRelocation,

Can I travel with my pet to visit my sister in USA? Will there be a quarantine?

Thanks,

A.
 

Hi A.,

Thanks for the question. Many people believe that flying internationally with a pet automatically requires a quarantine, but when it comes to the United States, that's not the case. Unless you're going to Hawaii, there is no quarantine to work around when coming here.

Here are the pet import requirements for the US. Your dog will need to have an updated rabies vaccine and an international health certificate. You'll want to be sure to choose a pet friendly airline with established pet policies, also, and another tip we offer is to help your dog feel comfortable in his travel crate in the days and weeks before the trip if he's not already. (This cuts down on stress for both of you.)

Be aware that if you're just visiting the US and plan to return to South Africa, you'll need to meet the pet import requirements for South Africa upon your return.

Please contact us if you'd like further assistance with your move, and good luck with everything!